The Lego Ninjago Movie Review

           The Lego Ninjago Movie

     Based on the popular TV series of the same name, this film is delightful. It soars on a number of levels, from voice acting to animation. But the film packs in great messages too.

     Positive Elements: All of the ninjas give their lives to protect Ninjago. They display teamwork on several occasions. Master Wu tells them “When you start using your mind, you won’t need mechs and machines.” It’s a significant lesson for our tech obsessed world: the more we interact with people, we become less focused on our motives.

     Lloyd (a.k.a. Green Ninja) is the main focus of the story here. Though he’s bullied and belittled, Lloyd does his best to not take it personally. His friends rally around him. When Lloyd makes a mistake, he apologizes and regains their trust. We are reminded that we must glance at things through a different perspective.

     (Spoiler Warning): Lloyd’s relationship with his dad takes a huge turn. In the end, the teen expresses love for both of his parents. Garmadon tells Lloyd the real reason why he left, but how he regretted it, saying “Your mother wanted the best for me and only the best for you. I never should have left.”

     The film also emphasizes forgiveness in the ending sequence. Lloyd approaches Meowthra and offers a from the heart speech about misjudged appearances. “When people look at you, they see a monster. But I know that you just feel scared and alone. I know how that feels.” Lloyd forgives his father, which gives him freedom from the bitterness he held in all those years.

     Sensual Content: Female LEGO characters wear bikinis on a beach. Garmadon rubs his back with his four arms, describing it as “making out with two people.” Jay has a crush on Nya; he acts nervous whenever she’s around.

     Violence: Garmadon attacks Ninjago City a few times (though it’s implied he did so on more than one occasion before the film begins). He uses huge metal armor to shoot missiles and bombs. The ninja’s mechs wreak havoc everywhere from smashing the ground to throwing fire flames. Jay’s lightening mech electrocutes Garmadon’s general’s ships.

     Garmadon and Wu engage in a hilarious yet hard-hitting fight, that includes them kicking, punching and hitting each other. Garmadon unleashes seven deadly butterflies during that fight too. The ninjas encounter some skeletons, and are attacked by Garmadon’s former generals. Lloyd and Garmadon are almost burned to death, but saved in the nick of time.

     Garmadon is eaten by Meowthra. The cat destroys much of Ninjago after it’s unleashed.

     Language: Garmadon calls Wu “a big dumb, dumb” in a message from him. One kid calls Lloyd and his friends “Garmadork and the dork squad.” Several uses of “gosh,” and a couple of “what the heck” phrases are thrown in too. “Butt” is used as a name-calling word several times.

     Drugs/Alcohol: During a victory party, Garmadon’s generals consume mixed drinks with paper umbrellas.

     Other Negative Elements: As mentioned, Lloyd is repeatedly bullied and belittled. Kids whisper behind his back and give him cold glares. One guy and two cheerleaders make up a cheer called “Boo Lloyd.”

     Garmadon isn’t much help either in the film’s beginning moments. He calls Lloyd on his birthday, then acts self-absorbed and rude. Garmadon tells Lloyd “How could I have ruined your life? I wasn’t there.” Lloyd responds with “I wish you weren’t my father.”

     After going full speed on a makeshift flying object, Garmadon quips “I might need a change of armor.”

     Conclusion: The Lego Ninjago Movie is chock full of fun. The world of Ninjago is so vivacious, like you’re actually inside the movie itself. The film has hilarious moments that make you laugh out loud.

     Parents should be aware of how the film depicts bullying. Though it doesn’t glorify the behavior, it’s still there nonetheless. Please be sure to discuss with your kids how bullying is undermining. Another issue is Garmadon; though he redeems himself by the film’s end, it’s painful to watch him treat Lloyd like a dummy rag doll.

     But those issues are minor compared to the film’s positive messages. We see a baddie transformed by spending more time with his son. Teamwork is demonstrated through the Secret Ninja Force. Forgiveness is lauded as well near the film’s end. All in all, this film delivers more than just laughter. It provides thought provoking discussions for teens and adults alike.

     While The Lego Movie was somewhat more serious and The Lego Batman Movie swayed too far to the laughter side, The Lego Ninjago Movie balances both sides fairly well. The film mixes important themes of friendship and teamwork amid the funny moments.

     Sure, fans of the TV series might write this movie off because it has driven in a new direction. But The Lego Ninjago Movie offers humor, heart, and poignant themes. Those traits alone deserve a standing ovation, considering many films don’t have them these days.